Dear Catholic Educators,
I found it fitting that the daily reflection for January 31, the first day of Catholic Schools Week, in the Essential Teachings of Mother Teresa, a Christmas gift I received this year, read: “Love cannot remain by itself—it has no meaning. Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.” Today, I write to you to thank you for your service, your love in action, for all that you do each day to support your students and their families. This past year presented us with challenges but it also afforded us an opportunity to demonstrate one of the key differentiators of Catholic schools —our teachers, administrators and staff. As Catholic educators, YOU showed up for our kids. YOU showed up, ignoring your own fears and anxieties. And, while many give lip service to “doing it for the kids,” YOU showed up and put the love of Christ in action. By meeting these challenges with compassion and flexibility, you placed the needs of students and families above all else.
Whether they were sitting in front of you or joining your class from home, you made sure that your students were safe. You found creative and innovative ways to meet the diverse academic needs in your classroom, you used every inch of your classroom and every tool at your disposal- many that you learned on the fly these past few months. But most importantly, YOU showed up for them. Please accept my gratitude for your service, for all that you have done and continue to do for the young people of the Diocese of Bridgeport. Know you are in my prayers. May God bless you and your family and may Our Lady continue to shower her blessings on our Catholic school family.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven F. Cheeseman
Superintendent of Schools
